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UAE: More pets abandoned on streets, shelters

as summer peaks; experts raise concern

Sometimes, clinics refuse accepting surrendered pets due to lack of availability,
especially during the peak season
by

Waad Barakat

Published: Tue 23 Jul 2024, 4:55 PM

Last updated: Wed 24 Jul 2024, 7:12 AM

During the summer months, a growing number of pets in the UAE are being left behind as most
families escape the heat by going abroad for long vacations.
Pet care experts expressed their concern over this growing trend of families abandoning their
domesticated animals. Some pet owners give their animals to the care of clinics or shelters
before their trips, while others go as far as abandoning them on the streets.

Speaking to Khaleej Times, Souheil Abdulla, managing partner at Pure Life Veterinarian
Treatment, said: "When people travel, they unfortunately abandon their pets. They mostly do it
to cats because they're easier to dispose." He added that such behaviour "showed a lack of
responsibility". The expert said that it's sad how some people consider pets or cats as
accessories to their lives, instead of part of their family.

https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/uae-experts-express-concern-over-increasing-number-of-
abandoned-pets-during-summer